Sounds like Mr. Baker had phenomenal taste. Marilynne Robinson is a genius. I would start with Gilead. It’s an epistolary so the writing and message is a lot more straightforward.
One thing I also think is interesting is that many of the things we regard as classics now were “popular” when they came out--meaning, the genre/popular vs literary distinction is fairly new. But Dickens and Dumas were the bestselling authors off their day.
I don’t think this means that everyone who wants to create a classic should be creating serial mysteries or schlocky airport books. But rather that they should endeavor to write in a way that obscures their craft rather than obscures their message.
The Mr. Bakers of the world are seriously unsung heroes.
Great piece as always. Such an interesting question. As I find myself increasingly reading through the lens of a writer, great writing becomes even more magical because of the seemingly invisible and effortless execution in each of the areas you touch on. So cool. Humans are awesome.
May 29, 2023·edited May 29, 2023Liked by Grace Sydney Smith
I wonder if there are any classics that break one or more of these rules? And what does that say about it (=the book, not your framework, which I think is excellent)
You know this question is near and dear to my heart and you already know my comments on it. But I will make this comment publicly so it's on record: I hope you keep leaning into answering this question in more detail as I think you have a very interesting perspective that has been helpful to me already. And that this one day this becomes something bigger *cough*a book *cough*.
Loved this, Grace. Your framework of what makes a classic a classic is so interesting and thoughtful. But what resonated strongly are your words about stories: "There are no “new” stories – just new ways to tell them. And to tell a new story, you must tell it with your soul." A story's originality is not in it being unprecedented. Rather, it's in its way of transporting the reader somewhere, it's in the journey (as you beautifully pointed out). Also, I think originality goes hand in hand with authenticity.
The interest in classics and the teacher/mentor-student relationship resonates! English professors are the best - I think they might be a class of angels. Also love the four pillars of a classic novel, so glad I read this today. <3
Well, you nailed the Universality, Language, and Originality pillars with this piece, Grace. Let’s check back in a few decades to see if it’s a classic. Some highlights for me: the “Hero’s Journey” section and your opening paragraph describing Mr. Baker and the “Universality” section — it was so well described.
Thank God for the Mr Bakers of the world. Teachers like him are another version of rarely occurring classics. I loved this story of you taking the stage on Senior Thesis Day and the thug-worthy threats you leveled at yourself to get the job done. ha ha. I also liked the distinction you make between innovation and originality. I do a lot of presenting in the business world where the word innovation has been stolen and trampled by peddlers of technology, when really it is an act of the human spirit. I disagree with those who say there is no originality, that everything is borrowed, and agree with you that when someone does the work of finding their voice, telling a story in a way that only they can, that originality is drawn down into the world. "It’s almost as if they embody their work. Their writing is their soul craft." To me you have what it takes to find the authority of original voice and it's always a pleasure to watch you pursue and share it.
Especially loved this Grace: “Hemingway’s prose, for instance, is like clear, cold water: it allows you to see all the way to the bottom, and all the things in between.” Beautiful and insightful piece. A wonder way to start my morning.
Sounds like Mr. Baker had phenomenal taste. Marilynne Robinson is a genius. I would start with Gilead. It’s an epistolary so the writing and message is a lot more straightforward.
One thing I also think is interesting is that many of the things we regard as classics now were “popular” when they came out--meaning, the genre/popular vs literary distinction is fairly new. But Dickens and Dumas were the bestselling authors off their day.
I don’t think this means that everyone who wants to create a classic should be creating serial mysteries or schlocky airport books. But rather that they should endeavor to write in a way that obscures their craft rather than obscures their message.
The Mr. Bakers of the world are seriously unsung heroes.
Great piece as always. Such an interesting question. As I find myself increasingly reading through the lens of a writer, great writing becomes even more magical because of the seemingly invisible and effortless execution in each of the areas you touch on. So cool. Humans are awesome.
I wonder if there are any classics that break one or more of these rules? And what does that say about it (=the book, not your framework, which I think is excellent)
You know this question is near and dear to my heart and you already know my comments on it. But I will make this comment publicly so it's on record: I hope you keep leaning into answering this question in more detail as I think you have a very interesting perspective that has been helpful to me already. And that this one day this becomes something bigger *cough*a book *cough*.
Loved this, Grace. Your framework of what makes a classic a classic is so interesting and thoughtful. But what resonated strongly are your words about stories: "There are no “new” stories – just new ways to tell them. And to tell a new story, you must tell it with your soul." A story's originality is not in it being unprecedented. Rather, it's in its way of transporting the reader somewhere, it's in the journey (as you beautifully pointed out). Also, I think originality goes hand in hand with authenticity.
Loved the piece, especially the ending! Kudos to all the Mr. Bakers of this world!
Love the breakdown on what makes a classic. I wanted to ask - have you read any good war-fictions?
The interest in classics and the teacher/mentor-student relationship resonates! English professors are the best - I think they might be a class of angels. Also love the four pillars of a classic novel, so glad I read this today. <3
Well, you nailed the Universality, Language, and Originality pillars with this piece, Grace. Let’s check back in a few decades to see if it’s a classic. Some highlights for me: the “Hero’s Journey” section and your opening paragraph describing Mr. Baker and the “Universality” section — it was so well described.
Thank God for the Mr Bakers of the world. Teachers like him are another version of rarely occurring classics. I loved this story of you taking the stage on Senior Thesis Day and the thug-worthy threats you leveled at yourself to get the job done. ha ha. I also liked the distinction you make between innovation and originality. I do a lot of presenting in the business world where the word innovation has been stolen and trampled by peddlers of technology, when really it is an act of the human spirit. I disagree with those who say there is no originality, that everything is borrowed, and agree with you that when someone does the work of finding their voice, telling a story in a way that only they can, that originality is drawn down into the world. "It’s almost as if they embody their work. Their writing is their soul craft." To me you have what it takes to find the authority of original voice and it's always a pleasure to watch you pursue and share it.
Especially loved this Grace: “Hemingway’s prose, for instance, is like clear, cold water: it allows you to see all the way to the bottom, and all the things in between.” Beautiful and insightful piece. A wonder way to start my morning.
In the words of Samuel Johnson, "no other test can be applied than length of duration and continuance of esteem." In other words, the test of time.